Makeup or cosmetic utensil identifier

ABSTRACT

A makeup or cosmetic utensil identifier device is disclosed. The identifier devices include an identification object and a band coupled to the identification object. The identification object is designed to provide visual feedback and tactile feedback to a user to better identify a makeup or cosmetic utensil. The band facilitates releasable coupling to the makeup or cosmetic utensil, in use. The device can be used individually or as part of a larger set to delineate between multiple utensils retained in the same general space, such as a drawer or bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to makeup/cosmetic articles and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for identifying various makeup/cosmetic brushes, bottles, and other tools.

Individuals often have many makeup items stored in a bag or a drawer, which makes it difficult to quickly locate a desired item. Time is wasted searching around through a multitude of products, which oftentimes leads to frustration of an individual. Further, individuals with poor eyesight generally struggle to find smaller items, such as pencils or brushes, or read labels on various items. Another problem with makeup or product bottles, such as lotion or creams, is that, once an individual has a product (such as a cream) on their hands, the bottles can be more difficult to open or close.

As can be seen, there is a need for an apparatus and method for identifying various makeup brushes and bottles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a makeup or cosmetic utensil identification assembly comprises: a makeup or cosmetic utensil; and an identifier device comprising: an identification object configured to provide visual feedback and tactile feedback to a user; and a band coupled to the identification object and releasably coupled to the makeup or cosmetic utensil.

In another aspect of the present invention, a makeup or cosmetic utensil identification system comprises: a plurality of makeup or cosmetic utensils; and a plurality of identifier devices, with each identifier device comprising: an identification object configured to provide visual feedback and tactile feedback to a user; and a band coupled to the identification object and releasably coupled to a respective makeup or cosmetic utensil of the plurality of makeup or cosmetic utensils.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a makeup or cosmetic utensil identifier device comprises: an identifier device comprising: an identification object configured to provide visual feedback and tactile feedback to a user; and a band coupled to the identification object configured to releasably couple to a makeup or cosmetic utensil.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, shown in use with a makeup/cosmetic utensil;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention, shown in use with the makeup/cosmetic utensil;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, shown in use with the makeup/cosmetic utensil; and

FIG. 4 is a front view of various embodiments of the present invention, shown as part of a set for identifying different makeup/cosmetic utensils.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention such that those with skill in the art can make and use the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a makeup or cosmetic utensil identifier device. This device includes (1) an identification object configured to provide visual feedback and tactile feedback to a user and (2) a band coupled to the identification object configured to releasably couple to a makeup or cosmetic utensil.

Devices in accordance with the present invention may be provided in varied colors as part of a set. They are provided in varied visual and/or tactile ways to help a user identify various makeup/cosmetic utensils, including but not limited to, brushes, pencils, creams and lotion containers. By being coupled to specific makeup/cosmetic utensils, it is therefore easy for users to locate their items/tools without having to resort to rifling through drawers or bags. Further, devices, made according to the teaching of the present invention disclosed herein, also provide assistance with respect to the actual opening/closing of cosmetic product containers (like lotion or cream containers), which can be difficult to do otherwise for less physically able users and users that may already have product residue on their hands.

More specifically, devices of the present invention include a small piece of ribbon or synthetic feather (which function as visual and tactile identifiers) that can be attached with a non-slip tape to pencils, eyeliners, lipsticks, brushes, and other makeup utensils. These devices assist individuals in identifying and quickly locating items in, for example, a crowded bag, drawer, or container using different colors and textures of the ribbon or feather (which both vary in texture and color relative to the items in the container the cosmetic utensils are disposed in). The ribbon or synthetic feather can also be secured with a non-slip elastic band (e.g., a rubber band) to the top of a bottle or container of, for example, lotion or cosmetic product. While certain other means for fastening the identifiers to the respective makeup/cosmetic utensils may be employed in different embodiments, the inventor has found non-slip tape and elastic bands to function well for the intended purpose and are simple parts to manufacture. Accordingly, and as mentioned above, the device can help users unscrew difficult to open tops and lids using the non-slip tape or band and offers makeup artists and makeup/cosmetic users a convenient and effective method for locating favorite and/or commonly used items.

In order to more properly delineate between items, the ribbons, feathers, tape, and rubber band must be provided in a variety of colors such that users can easily create a color-coded system for better organization/identification of items. Ribbons of varying textures and feathers of differing shapes may also be used in the identification system. These features are, in particular, invaluable to users with below average eyesight. By providing a visual/tactile identifier that is relatively large in size and an easily discernible color and texture (i.e., that is in contrast to the makeup utensils), identifying the sought for tool/utensil/container is therefore made easy. Beyond just cosmetic items, the simplicity and functionality inherent in the present invention also enables users to apply the color-coded system to other small items that may become easily lost.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2 , an exemplary makeup/cosmetic utensil 16 is shown with an identifier device in accordance with the present invention. The utensil 16 may be embodied as a brush, as shown, or may be embodied as any of the various cosmetic/makeup devices that exist, including, but not limited to, brushes, eyeliners, pencils, lipsticks, bottles, and other containers. In certain embodiments, the identifier device includes an identification object, embodied as a synthetic feather 10, for providing visual feedback and tactile feedback to the user and a non-slip elastic band 12 (such as a rubber band) for, in use, coupling the synthetic feather 10 to the utensil 16 in a simple and secure manner. Advantageously, the elastic band 12 is stretchable such that it can adjust to different size utensils 16 it is wrapped around.

Similarly, and as shown in FIG. 3 , a ribbon 11 may be used (additionally or alternatively) as the identification object to provide visual feedback and tactile feedback to a user. In this embodiment, connection to the utensil 16 is achieved by a loop of non-slip tape 14. It will be appreciated by those with skill in the art that varying combinations of elements may be employed, as appropriate. For example, non-slip tape 14 may be used with the synthetic feather 10, and the non-slip elastic band 12 may be used with the ribbon 11. The various objects that constitute the identifier devices, specifically the ribbon 11, feather 10, tape 14, and elastic band 12, may be provided in various colors and textures to define a more precise system of utensil classification.

Further, and by way of example, a singular identifier device may be paired with an often-used utensil 16, which will make it significantly easier to identify than previously. The non-slip nature of both the tape 14 and the elastic band 12 make it both easier to open bottle or other container lids (as the identifier devices can be placed on a lid of the utensil 16), and also help a user to grasp the makeup/cosmetic utensil 16. Advantageously, and as shown in FIG. 4 , in use, devices according to the present invention may be embodied as a set of identifier devices coupled to respective utensils 16. In such embodiments, varying colors and textures may be used to better classify the utensils 16, so a user will not have to resort to rummaging through a drawer or bag for large chunks of time to find the article they are looking for. For example, a red feather may be used to mark a foundation brush, while an orange feather may be used to mark an eyeliner brush. Similarly, a blue ribbon may be used to mark a red lipstick tube, while a purple ribbon may be used to mark a bottle of moisturizing cream. Textures of the identification objects and the tape 14 or band 12 may also be varied in a similar manner, for individuals who identify objects better by feel. Of course, those with skill in the art will appreciate that any number of combinations of colors and textures may be used in accordance with the present invention.

Therefore, the disclosed systems and methods are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the teachings of the present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. The systems and methods illustratively disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein and/or any optional element disclosed herein.

While apparatuses and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the apparatuses and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an,” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the elements that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted.

The use of directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, and the like are used in relation to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in the figures, the upward or upper direction being toward the top of the corresponding figure and the downward or lower direction being toward the bottom of the corresponding figure.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C. Further, as used herein, the use of a forward slash is intended to denote “or”. For example, “makeup/cosmetic utensil” refers to a makeup utensil or a cosmetic utensil (although it will be appreciated that many articles may function both as a makeup and a cosmetic utensil. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A makeup or cosmetic utensil identification assembly comprising: a makeup or cosmetic utensil; and an identifier device comprising: an identification object configured to provide visual feedback and tactile feedback to a user; and a band coupled to the identification object and releasably coupled to the makeup or cosmetic utensil.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the identification object is a synthetic feather.
 3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the identification object is a ribbon.
 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the band is a non-slip elastic band or a loop of non-slip tape.
 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the band is coupled to a lid of the makeup or cosmetic utensil.
 6. A makeup or cosmetic utensil identification system comprising: a plurality of makeup or cosmetic utensils; and a plurality of identifier devices, with each identifier device comprising: an identification object configured to provide visual feedback and tactile feedback to a user; and a band coupled to the identification object and releasably coupled to a respective makeup or cosmetic utensil of the plurality of makeup or cosmetic utensils.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein each identification object of the plurality of identifier devices comprises a different color than a remainder of the identification objects.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the identification objects of the plurality of identifier devices are synthetic feathers, ribbons, and combinations thereof.
 9. The system of claim 6, wherein the bands of the plurality of identifier devices are non-slip elastic bands, loops of non-slip tape, and combinations thereof.
 10. A makeup or cosmetic utensil identifier device comprising: an identification object configured to provide visual feedback and tactile feedback to a user; and a band coupled to the identification object configured to releasably couple to a makeup or cosmetic utensil. 